Abstract

Maternal death audits (MDAs) are the key to reducing maternal mortality.  However, there are some barriers to the involvement of midwives in carrying out maternal death audits. This article aimed to explore midwives' perceptions and experiences of maternal death audits in Burkina Faso. This was a qualitative study conducted in December 2018. Data were collected from individual semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of the data was performed using Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Miner software. Shortcomings in applying the audit charter and implementation of recommendations, financial rewards and non-invitation of providers compromise midwives' participation. However, the study found that midwives had good experience and perception of MDAs. The study highlighted shortcomings in the conduct of the audits and difficulties in implementing the recommendations. This requires more significant involvement of the various administrative and clinical actors in the health system and the integration of maternal death audits into routine activities.

Key words: Maternal death, midwives, death audits, qualitative stud, Burkina Faso.